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The Auckland Regiment

Author's Foreword

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Author's Foreword

My very pleasant task has at last been completed, and soon the History of the Auckland Regiment will be published. That it will be widely read I feel certain—not because of any merit in the book, but because so many of us loved the old Regiment, and look back with pleasure on the many happy days we spent together. They were rough and dangerous times, but they were made bright by the fine friends we met at every turn. For most of us the wartime will always remain the most vivid and interesting part of our lives.

It may seem strange that I, who am a pacifist, should write a war history. Yet surely one can be quite consistent and do so. Whatever one thinks of war and the causes of war, it is undoubtedly true that in battle the finest sides of human character develop themselves. Valour, self-sacrifice, steadfastness, devotion to duty, gentleness and brotherliness are all great virtues. They shone pre-eminently in those days when Life and Death were the stakes we played for. It is fitting that the boys who are now growing up to manhood should never forget that these are the things which should always characterise the New Zealander. If the story of the Auckland Regiment will serve to set some sort of standard of manhood for the boys of Auckland, I will feel that the writing of it has not been altogether in vain.

I do not suppose that a single member of the Regiment will be satisfied with the book, and many will disapprove quite violently. Critics will please remember two things: First, that I am not John Masefield, and second, that they themselves are probably amongst the number who sent me neither information nor suggestions. It would have taken me years to have hunted up everyone, and so to have amassed the immense amount of detail which one should really have for a book of this nature. Incidentally, writing a book is not page breakas easy as one might think. If anyone has doubts, let him try himself.

Many names have been mentioned. In my judgment, and from the evidence at my disposal, they seemed the most worthy. The main trouble came not with the names put in, but with those left out. I know that many first rate men have been missed, and some will feel disappointed at not getting the mention they so thoroughly deserve. They have been omitted simply because my information has not been as full as I wish it had been. If a second edition of this book should ever be required, perhaps everything can he put right; for I will carefully file all criticisms, suggestions, information, etc., which I know will pour in upon me—After publication.

My thanks are due to all who have assisted me either by the loan of diaries or by giving up their time for personal interviews; also to the Regimental Committee, who have very carefully read all manuscripts, and whose advice and suggestions have been most helpful.

I hope that, if nothing more, this book may serve to quicken old memories and help many of you to live over again the great days when we marched and fought, bivouacked and billeted in Egypt, Gallipoli, France and Flanders.

With best wishes to all my old comrades—better ones a man could never want!

Ormond Burton.